Spring 2020 GREEN TRIFECTA Saving the earth and saving your money
RISE EARLY BIRDS Logan locals excited for their next chapter
NO WORRIES Homeowners become TV stars for a day
ANIMAL RESCUE Life is better with a pet
SEIZE THE DAY Exploring new and old passions
CONTENTS
3. Cover story
7. MBA Award
Making the most of your 8000 days of retirement
A hole-in-one award win for Halcyon
17. Green Trifecta
21. No worries
25. Line dancing lady
Enviro-conscious couple leave lighter footprint
Homeowners become stars for a day at Halcyon Greens
Life is better when you line dance
31. Garden Gurus
35. Exploring our backyard
37. Recipes
Nature-loving couple help to keep their neighbourhood blooming
Couple making the most of their Halcyon days
Our community managers share their favourite Spring recipes
Cover image: Allison Blundell from Halcyon Greens
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10. Rise early birds Logan locals excited for their new chapter
Whilst all care has been taken in the preparation of the contained herein, no warranty can be given and interested parties must therefore rely on their enquiries. Prices and details correct at time of printing. Effective as at September 2020.
to the Spring edition Weoflcome My Halcyon Days. The journey from: “No! Over 50s living wouldn’t be our cup of tea!” to “David and Una, please sign here”, took approximately two months. I clearly remember discussing our next move in life to some friends whilst on a European River Cruise. At the time we were living in our dream home in a small country town in Queensland and we were in a rut, (basically a grave with the ends booted out.) We clearly needed to make some changes. Our friends invited us to stay with them for three days at another over 50s community and that visit convinced us that over 50s living WAS our cup of tea. Two old friends Bill and Ruth Bracey were living at Halcyon Waters and Bill’s analytical and careful approach, along with his statement, “the last seven years at Halcyon have been the best years of our lives,” convinced us. We researched the market and believed the Halcyon formula was the best and we still do. The rest is history.
David and Una Snell, Halcyon Landing
FOREWORD
In this edition There are so many activities and opportunities on offer. You can do as much or as little as you want, you choose! I just wish we had done it sooner. In this edition you will hear about a number of people who have unearthed new passions since moving to Halcyon, how one couple have struck the ‘Green Trifecta’ and also a great story of how it’s never too late for love. Get to know Halcyon Landing’s doyenne of line dancing and meet some of the first home owners from Halcyon Rise in Logan Reserve. Una and I are so comfortable with the good friendships we have developed at Halcyon and there are two things to keep in mind; “Don’t sweat the small stuff”, and “ Happiness is more contagious than COVID-19, so let’s each be a carrier.” Enjoy this edition. David Snell, Halcyon Landing SHARE YOUR HALCYON DAYS Want to share your Halcyon Days with us? Send your story to my@halcyondays.com.au
COVER STORY
Seize the day NOW IS THE TIME TO EXPLORE NEW PASSIONS AND REDISCOVER OLD ONES. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Allison Blundell, Halcyon Greens
AGAINST THE GRAIN Novice woodworker Allison is handy on the tools
llison took up woodworking a year A ago after she and husband Ross downsized from their family home in Hawthorne, Brisbane and moved to Halcyon Greens in March 2019.
“I have never done woodworking before and to be honest, it was probably one of the last things I thought I would ever do among the abundant choice of activities at Halcyon Greens,” Allison said. “I am definitely not the crafty type, but I enjoy learning new things and woodwork is a great medium for this. “I was initially quite fearful of some of the machinery, especially the drop saws, but I have learnt how
LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au
to use a wide variety of tools and it is definitely something you get used to with familiarity and use.” Allison learnt woodworking skills from fellow homeowner Ron Smith, who holds workshops on picture framing, lathe operation and ukulele and box making at the onsite workshed. She spends a few hours at least once a week at the workshed and her completed projects include a wooden bowl, jewellery box, an activity board for her granddaughter, ornaments and picture frames. “I love the sense of achievement upon completing a project and the feeling that I have created something useful,” Allison said. “I also love the history behind certain pieces of wood in the workshed, some of which have been donated by other homeowners.”
Allison’s wooden jewellery box contains ebony from a piano that was more than 100 years old, while the bowl is crafted from a piece of timber from the original Busselton Jetty in Western Australia, which was built in the 1860s. “From a sustainability perspective, it is great to be able to repurpose timber into something creative, functional and beautiful,” she added. Allison’s workshed buddy is usually her husband, Ross, who she says is a useful companion to double-check measurements and workshop ideas. “It is a great shared experience,” Allison said. “However, if Ross is not available, I’m happy to work alongside any of the workshed group as they are laidback, very welcoming and always happy to share their knowledge.”
From first time potter to prize-winning sculptor
tudies have shown working S with clay carries many benefits for all age groups.
supplemented with YouTube tutorials. “There was enough time to rush out and buy a lump of clay so we could have a play at home during the COVID-19 isolation time,” Lynne said.
From improved focus, better manual dexterity and strength in joints, hands and wrists, to a reduction in stress thanks to the creative process, it’s no surprise pottery is a popular choice among Halcyon homeowners.
She perfected her technique solo and learned how to make moulds online, which she used to create a winning pottery sculpture submission, only her second finished piece, for the Halcyon Sunshine Coast Creative Showcase.
Lynne Tydeman only had a few pottery lessons under her craft belt before the COVID-19 isolation period put the community pottery room and kiln out of action.
Launched during the COVID-19 isolation period, the inaugural art show saw 66 Halcyon homeowners enter artworks related to the theme of ‘childhood memories’.
She had always wanted to try her hand at pottery, so she and a few other interested locals approached a fellow clay-savvy homeowner to teach them.
Artworks spanned eight categories, including paintings, woodwork, mosaics, wearable art, photography, quilting and craft, with John Davis announced as the overall winner for his white wooden horse on 9 June 2020.
While homeowners were unable to use Halcyon Lakeside’s onsite pottery room and kiln, Lynne learned some basic pottery techniques at home, which she
Lynne was awarded third prize in the novice section for her clay sculptures
inspired by the classic poem, The Owl and the Pussy-Cat, which she originally designed as outdoor features with fine detailing and perforations that allow light to shine through. “As a child, Edward Lear’s poem The Owl and the Pussy-Cat was something I had to learn,” Lynne said. “In my 20s, a friend of mine made an owl and a pussycat as an outdoor light and I thought: ‘I would love to make one of those’. And hey presto, I had a crack at it.” “It is easy for anyone to have a go themselves and you can find lots of ideas of what you can create from clay on the internet.” “At Lakeside, the facilities and opportunities to do things are enormous. The opportunities for crafts and seeing what other people do inspires you to do more. Where else would you find all sorts of artistic skills readily available to learn something new?”
Lynne Tydeman, Halcyon Lakeside
SPRING 2020 | 4
NEW PASSIONS
SEIZE THE CLAY
OLD PASSIONS “Never assume you know everything and always be prepared for surprises. Ego will kill you!”
Kim Jones, Halcyon Parks
FLYING HIGH Kim finds freedom in the sky
melia Earhart, aviation A pioneer and the first female to fly solo across the Atlantic
Ocean once said: “There’s more to life than being a passenger.”
There’s a deeper meaning to that quote which applies to all of us and how we choose to live our lives, but for Halcyon Parks homeowner Kim Jones – it has literally fuelled his passion for flying for almost half a century. “It’s a very special feeling being able to move in three dimensions with little effort and a special feeling of freedom,” he said. Enchanted by the idea of flying since he was a child, Kim had the opportunity to become a pilot when he was working in the Pilbara as an engineer in the early 1970s.
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“I took every opportunity I could to get up in the air, and it’s something I’ve just always done,” he said. After working as an executive with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in Canberra for more than 20 years, Kim retired in 2016, moved to QLD, and came to Parks with his wife Jan Gough earlier this year. He still flies every week, keeping his plane, the second one he has built himself, at Caboolture Aerodrome. “Both aeroplanes took 14 years to build, family, moves around the country for my work and other projects such as a sports car and rocking horses for grand children in between,” he said. “I started building models when I was 10 and just progressed to something bigger over time.”
Celebrating 50 years behind the microphone
I
f you’ve ever tuned in to 89.3FM while on the Gold Coast, you’ve probably heard the dulcet tones of Don Glover during one of his radio programs for community station 4CRB.
The Halcyon Waters homeowner has had a lifetime of experience behind the microphone, working in the medium since the early 1970s across many stations in Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. “I’ve always loved the immediacy of radio,” Don said. “These days we get our information and news from a lot more sources, but radio was where people turned to first if they wanted to know something.”
During his career, Don also worked as an executive in radio as well as running Village Roadshow’s Home Entertainment video business for a number of years. Don moved to Waters three years ago from the NSW Central Coast, where even though he had retired, he was still volunteering in community radio there. When he and wife Kerry made the move to Halcyon, some old radio friends living on the Gold Coast got him involved with 4CRB. “I do three morning programs through the week, a rock and roll show on Saturday afternoon and a smooth jazz program on Monday night,” he said.
“I’ve been doing mic work since my late teens, I get a buzz every time the mic goes on but at my age, it’s just fun, something to enjoy while giving the listeners what they want.” During COVID-19, the station made the decision to keep its staff working from home, which wasn’t a problem for Don as he has his own mini-studio at his home. “I’ve been able to pre-record all of my shows, which is great, but I also make sure that I make a few blunders here and there to make it sound a bit more real,” he said. “With live radio there’s no real opportunity to have another take, so you have to avoid the temptation of making a pre-record sound too perfect,” he laughed.
Don Glover, Halcyon Waters
SPRING 2020 | 6
OLD PASSIONS
DON KEEPS ROCKING THE AIRWAVES
HALCYON GREENS
Halcyon scores a hole-in-one with award win Click here to watch the MBA submission
The opening of The Lodge marks the completion of the $20 million Lifestyle and Recreational Precinct. LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au
alcyon Greens has H scored a hole-in-one, winning the Master Builders
Queensland 2020 Housing & Construction Award – Gold Coast for Tourism and Leisure Facilities over $10 million. The $20 million, six acre lifestyle and recreational precinct in Pimpama is part of Halcyon Greens, Australia’s first golf and lifestyle community set on a 84 acres island surrounded by a nature reserve, native wetlands and an 18-hole Championship golf course.
The Lodge
Completed in April 2020, The Lodge is the final piece of the precinct - which took 24 months to build It is the largest, purpose-built over 50s resort and leisure facility in Australia, offering 1,000-plus Halcyon Greens homeowners’ access to 22 different functional spaces and catering to more than 40 individual sporting, leisure and recreational groups.
40 seat cinema
Halcyon Joint Managing Director, Dr Bevan Geissmann said he was immensely proud of the accolade, which recognised the quality workmanship, attention to detail and dedication of the Halcyon construction team. “Halcyon Greens really is Australia’s biggest lifestyle for over 50s – the scale and variety of functionality across the leisure facilities rival those found in many Queensland 5-star tourism resorts,” Dr Geissmann said.
Private dining
One of two treatment rooms
SPRING 2020 | 8
HALCYON GREENS Minister de Brenni tours the construction site
Trying his hand at Pickleball
QLD Housing Minister tours Halcyon Greens alcyon has accelerated construction H on three of its communities as demand from downsizers in South East Queensland intensifies.
The release of new homes at Halcyon Rise in Logan Reserve, Halcyon Greens in Pimpama and B by Halcyon in Buderim have been moved forward from November to satisfy interest. Visiting the craft group
State Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni toured Halcyon Greens recently. “Halcyon’s commitment to providing outstanding masterplanned communities with quality homes and a range of facilities to keep our Queensland seniors active and socially connected is to be applauded,” Minister de Brenni said.
Talking to workers on the construction site
“Halcyon were the pioneers for providing a real alternative for downsizers who wanted to leave their family home but wanted the connection and freedom that a seniors lifestyle community offers.”
Minister de Brenni said Halcyon’s decision would have a positive effect on the Queensland economy. “The Palasczuk Government is delivering a plan to protect Queensland’s economy from the global impacts of COVID-19, so we welcome Halcyon’s investment that will also support Queensland tradies,” Minister de Brenni said. Halcyon’s General Manager of Sales and Construction Scott Ng said the decision to increase construction would also benefit the Queensland economy as more local jobs were created to meet the workload. “We have taken a measured approach to construction during the last six months as we all navigate a path through COVID-19, but it is clear from our discussions with buyers that the pandemic has been a catalyst for them to make the move to a lifestyle community,” he said.
HALCYON RISE Jan and Gary Wilkins and Roger and Helen Lang, Halcyon Rise
The earlybird gets the worm Pioneer homeowners looking forward to building new community foundations Being foundation homeowners at Halcyon is an incredibly lucky position to be in as it is an opportunity to mould and create the identity and spirit of the new community from the very beginning.
Roger said as well as being able to stay close to their social network, there were financial benefits to buying at Rise. “It really helped us financially be being able to take advantage of the earlybird deals on offer,” he said. “We’re ‘people people’ so we’re really looking forward to being able to move in and welcome everyone who moves to the community.”
There are also a number of opportunities for a new community’s foundation homeowners to meet and connect before the moving van arrives at their new home. These four Halcyon Rise “pioneers” had the chance to spend some time together, and discovered they have a lot in common besides being new neighbours. Helen and Roger Lang had been church pastors during their working lives, while Gary and Jan Wilkins currently have a son studying in seminary school to become a pastor. “It was such a nice connection to have,” Roger said. “Jan said their grandkids are at Westside Christian School and we’ve had a lot to do with that school over the years.”
The Wilkins onsite at Halcyon Rise, Logan Reserve
HALCYON RISE Helen and Roger Lang, Halcyon Rise
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Staying close to social networks appeals to longtime Logan residents fter selling their house in Logan where A they lived for 20 years, Roger and Helen Lang are excited to be foundation homeowners at Halcyon Rise, which offers the best of city-country living.
A former pastor at an international church in Sunnybank, Roger retired five years ago and still has strong ties within the Logan area where he and Helen, a retired midwife and nurse, continue to provide mentoring services. Community is at the heart of the couple’s relationship – Roger and Helen met at a youth group in Melbourne and have been married for 52 years, raising four children and now 10 grandchildren. “Halcyon Rise is only 16 minutes’ away from where we used to live,” Roger said. “Staying close to our family and social networks was very important to us.” “We will be living in close proximity to Brisbane and Logan as well as enjoying an acreage lifestyle minus the maintenance.” For Roger, who grew up in country Victoria, the new community allows him to indulge his interest in farming while maintaining his ties to the local community. “We can live the ‘city country life’ that Halcyon Rise offers, but also stay in touch with all our networks, which is very important to us,” Roger said. The connection and freedom that Halcyon over-50s lifestyle communities offer is what appealed most to the couple, and, in particular, Roger highlights the welcoming attitude of the staff as Halcyon’s main point of difference. Roger said he believed Halcyon’s Joint Managing Director Dr Bevan Geissmann’s background as a GP is the reason why “he understands and cares about retirees’ wants and needs.” These included factors such as secure, gated and connected communities, socially active lifestyle opportunities with the freedom to simply lock up your home and leave. “Helen and I felt welcome and cared for from the moment we met the team,” Roger said. “We’re really excited to become part of the Halcyon family.”`
Gary and Jan Wilkins, Halcyon Rise
Goaaaaaaaaal! Aussie soccer legend scores at Logan Reserve occer fans might recognise one of Halcyon Rise’s Sfoundation homeowners. Gary Wilkins represented Australia four times in the 1960s and 70s, and was one of the founding members of the Brisbane Roar Football Club, who were sadly defeated in this years’ A-League elimination final. Having been retired for a number of years, Gary is still a club patron and along with his wife Jan, were looking for a tree change but also wanted to stay connected to the city. Halcyon Rise, which is located 30 minutes drive south of Brisbane in Logan Reserve, offered the best of both worlds for the couple. “Halcyon Rise offers the laidback lifestyle we want where we don’t have to worry about security, and there’s less housework and garden maintenance so we can just enjoy life,” Gary said. Jan added: “We wanted to downsize from our four-bedroom house with double garage and a big yard to having a more relaxed lifestyle with our own home.” “We also like that Halcyon Rise is close to both of our boys and our grandchildren as well.” As a nod to Logan’s agricultural heritage, Rise contains many one-of-a-kind amenities, including 40 acres of open space, firepit as well its own orchard, raised herb and vegetable garden beds, beehives and a chicken coop. The secure gated community comprises thoughtfully designed homes as well as sporting and leisure facilities, including a heated resort pool and an arts and crafts room, which appeals to Jan, an avid sewer who makes craft for charity. “We’re looking forward to being able to utilise the many activities and facilities that Rise will offer,” Jan said. SPRING 2020 | 12
B BY HALCYON
Sunshine Coast locals come “home” to B by Halcyon SPORTS-LOVING COUPLE LOOK FORWARD TO STARTING A NEW LIFE IN BUDERIM hen longtime Mountain W Creek residents Sue and Gary Hadenham listed their home
for sale in the height of COVID-19, little did they know just how fast it would be snapped up.
“It had literally gone on realestate. com.au and our agent called to ask if someone could come and inspect, not tomorrow but today,” Sue said. “Within two hours, the deal was done.” Sue said the buyers originally wanted a two-week settlement but ended up agreeing on three weeks.
“I am really excited about the Creative Arts Pavilion as I’m a botanical artist and I run quite a few workshops and classes.” “To have this beautiful new facility to enjoy is just wonderful.” The countdown is on for the Hadenhams to move into their new home at B by Halcyon later this month. “We’re excited, but it’s a bit daunting as we are the first group into the community,” Sue said.
“It was actually great as it meant we had to get organised very quickly, there was certainly no mucking around.” Keen golfers, Sue and Gary had made the decision to move into an over 50s community as the maintenance on their large home had become a chore. “I didn’t want to move, I loved our home and I’d said I was never leaving,” Sue said. “But it was on 1000m2 and even though we’d done a massive renovation 15 years ago, everything was looking like it needed updating.” After visiting a competitor, the pair drove into Whites Road to take a look at B by Halcyon, which Sue said took her breath away and she said to Gary: “I’m home.” The active couple are looking forward to being able to participate in all of the health and wellness activities on offer, including the gym, pools and yoga lawn. LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au
Gary and Sue Hadenham, B by Halcyon
“There are a lot of people from the Buderim area moving into the community, so there will be people that we know.” Welcome Centre and Display Homes are now open. 2 Retreat Drive, Buderim QLD 4556 (Off Whites Road) 1800 050 050
Putting your own stamp on your new home ary and Sue’s home is on G a corner block and they have chosen the Kuranda design with the skillion roof.
Sue said they had decided to make some variations to the home, mainly pushing some of the walls out in the living room. “We have an alcove where we plan to put a TV cabinet and put the VJ board up and paint the wall black,” she said. In regards to colour choices, Sue said they had chosen “a little bit of this and a little bit of that” from the eight colour schemes on offer, which include Coastal,
Country, Urban and Rainforest with soft and bold options. She said the lower kitchen cabinets were a dark grey, with the higher cabinets in a natural oak to match the floors which feature throughout the home apart from the wet areas. The kitchen, bathroom and laundry splashback and feature walls will all have white subway tiles, creating a fresh contemporary take on a classic style. “The process has been quite easy,” she said. “I had some strong ideas on what I like, and I will add to the palette myself with furniture and artwork.”
Sue said they had chosen the “Formal” landscaping and garden choice, which includes plants and flowers such as gardenia and magnolia. “As we’re on a corner block, we have three metres of lawn from our home to the fence line but we are selling the lawnmower as we’ve put some artificial turf down,” she said. “We’re not going to know ourselves as we used to live on 1000sqm and the house we’ve been renting is on three blocks of land and we’ve had to do the lawns.”
SPRING 2020 | 14
PEOPLE
Love lands at Halcyon Lakeside TWO SINGLE HOMEOWNERS MAKE THE PERFECT DOUBLES FOR LIFE AND PICKLEBALL
F
alling in love was the last thing on their minds when Barry Goodin and Del Tandy moved to Halcyon Lakeside as single homeowners last year.
“It was not on my mind at all, I moved to Halcyon Lakeside for fun and friendship,” Barry said. But fate had other plans for this dynamic duo. Barry moved to Halcyon Lakeside from Twin Waters in July 2019, while Del had her Pelican Waters house settle on the same day she moved in to her new Halcyon Lakeside home in October last year. The first thing Barry noticed about Del was her kindness and sincerity, while Del said she could tell from the start that Barry was a loving, kind and happy person. LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au
Del Tandy and Barry Goodin, Halcyon Lakeside
“We met at a couple of functions and said ‘hello’ and that was about it,” Barry remembered. After chatting, Del and Barry discovered they had both attended Nambour High School, lived in the same area and knew each other’s family and friends. A couple of days later, Barry asked Del out for a coffee. “Suddenly something clicked and there was a spark there,” Del said. “We went to the New Year’s Eve function together and danced the night away,” Barry added. “We have been together ever since so it’s coming up on nine months now.” As well as growing up in Nambour on the Sunshine Coast, Barry and
Del share many other common interests and enjoy camping, playing pickleball and shopping together. “In my experience, it is definitely a positive,” Barry said. “The lifestyle here is so good and we have so many mutual friends. We are looking forward to the future.” “It has been such a nice surprise,” Del said. “I have always said I believe in fate and if the right person came along and I was open to it, it was meant to be. “When I moved to Halcyon I was so delighted to be here and so happy, then when I met Barry it was like a double whammy. I thought, wow, the universe works in magical ways.”
THE HALCYON WAY
Halcyon Joint Managing Directors Paul Melville and Dr Bevan Geissmann
Silver linings appear despite uncertainty n these unprecedented and Itodifficult times, it is comforting know we have leaders who are doing their utmost to steer us through uncharted waters.
We are fortunate in Queensland to have a measured and responsible plan to handle any escalation in the number of COVID-19 cases and the associated repercussions of that. The virus is something we are all trying to live alongside in a safe way as the many medical researchers across the world and here in Queensland race to discover a vaccine.
As a company and as an industry, we have also taken a measured and responsible approach to how we continue to move forward while still ensuring our homeowners are kept safe in the cul-de-sac of Halcyon. We are committed to retaining and creating jobs for our hundreds of staff, contractors and suppliers and we are delighted to be able to increase construction momentum at some of our burgeoning communities. Life goes on for all of us and our homeowners are a shining example of not squandering any opportunities.
They are squeezing as much juice out of their days by discovering new ways to connect, exploring new passions or stoking the fires of old ones – while still keeping safe. We hope you have made yourself a cup of tea, settled back in your favourite chair and have enjoyed some of the wonderful stories from our communities…And maybe you’ll discover why, “Life begins at Halcyon”. Dr Bevan Geissmann & Paul Melville Joint Managing Directors.
SPRING 2020 | 16
PEOPLE
Hitting the ‘green trifecta’ at Halcyon Greens MAKING THE MOVE TO HALCYON GREENS IN PIMPAMA HAS ALLOWED THE BLUNDELLS TO GET ONE STEP CLOSER TO THEIR AIM OF HAVING A ZERO-CARBON FOOTPRINT Click here to watch a video on Halcyon’s Green Credentials
Ross and Allison Blundell, Halcyon Greens
LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au
he Blundells have a Tesla battery T wall, 5kw of solar panels on their roof which has been constructed
goes faster” was a no-brainer and completed their “green trifecta”.
with sustainable and energy efficient materials such as Hebel and to cap it off – they also own a Tesla car.
“We are both sick of supporting the fossil fuel industry that is destroying our planet and polluting the atmosphere,” he said.
Ross Blundell said Halcyon’s focus on building energy efficient communities, as well as finding a place which would suit their active lifestyle, was a huge factor for he and wife Allison when buying a home at Halcyon Greens.
Allison added: “A large part of Ross’ working life was developing sustainable energy projects which was a large motivator from the early 2000’s to own a sustainable vehicle.
“Owning a new home with all the sustainable features we consider important, the beautiful outlook over the golf course, and the many amenities and opportunities, such as tennis court, workshed, gym and swimming pools,” he said. “We also protect the environment through sharing facilities rather than owning things individually. “For example we can borrow tools from the workshed, utilise the vegetable garden and as living here allows for less travelling with so many facilities on-site.” Ross said their energy output had been substantially reduced since moving into their home, which overlooks the Gainsborough Greens golf course. “Previously our daily electricity usage averaged around 11.0 kWh per day, now we are averaging around 1.0 kWh per day,” he said. “The cost comparison isn’t simple because we also had solar in our previous home with a very good feedin rate, however our average daily cost was $1.00 per day compared to a credit of $2.70 per day at Halcyon Greens.” Ross said buying the Model 3 Performance Tesla, a “red one because everyone knows red
“We strive to have a zero-carbon footprint and to be socially responsible in everything we do. “And quieter vehicles make for more livable communities.” Their Tesla 3 is an all-wheel drive sedan 5-star safety rating, minimalist and comfortable interior with a totally flat cabin floor, excellent performance from its torque and rapid acceleration. “Perhaps the most practical advantage of the Tesla is its expected reliability and longevity owing to its simpler drive train which does not require regular maintenance and major repair expenses including our first service is not due for three years,” he said. “It also has some quirky features like a fireplace, karaoke and fart mode, which the granddaughters think is hilarious.” The pair are thrilled at their new life at Greens, citing the caring people they have met, the safety and security of the community and exploring new hobbies and interests we would not have had access to. “Life at Halcyon Greens brings a sense of peace and quietness not found in the suburbs,” Allison said. “It also provides a safe and inviting environment for grandchildren, which was a very important factor in choosing Halcyon Greens.”
“We strive to have a zero carbon footprint and to be socially responsible in everything we do” SPRING 2020 | 18
THE UNRETIRING TYPE
The Far Side is back Words: Geoff Shearer A stalwart journalist for News Ltd for 20 years and a former TV Week Features Editor, Geoff Shearer is one the country’s most admired arts and entertainment writers. He’s taken a step into semi-retirement to concentrate on his fiction writing, while relishing the chance to share his unique take on life with My Halcyon Days’ readers.
R
emember that cartoon panel showing a woman in curlers fast asleep with a cat on the end of her bed and a dog outside the slightly open window whispering: “puuuuut the caaaaaat ouuuuuuuuut. … puuuuut the caaaaat ouuuuuuut. …”
Or the cat looking into the laundry dryer which has “CAT FUD” crudely written on the open door and the dog hiding against the wall with the thought bubble: “oh please, oh please...” You would have seen them in newspapers, in anthologies, on greeting cards, desk calendars and coffee mugs. It was The Far Side – that crazy world created by US cartoonist Gary Larson. A world where cows walked upright; babies could fly; and where obesity was the norm for everyone, from little boys in striped T-shirts and women in floral house dresses to tinyheaded men in lab coats with pen pockets. It was huge through the 1980s and ’90s, continuing for years after Larson officially retired the strip in January 1995.
And then, only a few months ago, Larson, now in his 70th year on this weird planet, surprised fans with some “new stuff” on what he called a “corner” of his website. There are only a few new panels (for now) but what is interesting is what got Larson drawing again. It was that new-fangled, dangif-it-don’t-work-on-electrissy thing called a digital tablet. As Larson explains on his blog: “I got one, fired it up, and lo and behold, something totally unexpected happened: within moments, I was having fun drawing again ... I simply had no idea how far these things had evolved.” Fittingly, as he says, the first thing he drew was a caveman. “I hail from a world of pen and ink, and suddenly I was feeling like I was sitting at the controls of a 747.” It is a great lesson that creativity is not only adaptable with technology, but also that it doesn’t lose its strength no matter how long it has been dormant in you. In Larson’s case that was 25 years. So if you had a creative pursuit in your past, now’s the time to stoke the embers and see where it will take you. But don’t forget to puuuuuut the cat out first…
LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au
School ties jump the ditch to Greens OLD CHUMS END UP AS NEIGHBOURS 50 YEARS AFTER GRADUATION he world really is a small T place and old school friends Tony Philpot and Lindsay McKinley are living proof.
Tony and his wife Alison, originally from New Zealand, recently moved into Halcyon Greens when she got talking to their new neighbour Carol. “Carol is a Kiwi and we started talking about where we’re from and I said ‘my husband is from Christchurch’ and she said ‘my husband is from Christchurch,’” Alison said. “We worked out they had both gone to Burnside High School and had graduated one year apart.” It turned out the pair had been friends back in school, with Tony graduating in 1968 and Lindsay in 1969.
“We were in different years, but we did know each other,” Tony said. Notable alumni from their alma mater, which is one of the largest schools in New Zealand, include former NZ Prime Minister John Key, former All Black and member of the 2011 Rugby World Cup winning team Andrew Ellis and the former chief executive of Air New Zealand Rob Fyfe. Lindsay and Tony hadn’t seen each other since school days, but remarkably had both made the move to Australia within a year of each other in the late 1980s. Both settled with their families and children in Brisbane, building successful careers and businesses until making the decision to downsize to Greens.
Lindsay and wife Carol have been living at the Pimpama community for almost 21/2 years, selling their chain of home brew shops after enjoying the lifestyle. “When we moved in, I drove in here in my home brew truck and it caused quite a bit of interest,” Lindsay joked. “We love living here, there are so many activities to enjoy and the people in the community are terrific.” Tony said they were looking forward to getting involved in lots of activities including pilates, aquarobics, line dancing and the gym. “We’re excited about being here, “ Tony said. “We’re looking forward to starting the next chapter of our lives.” And of course that includes a beer or two with their neighbours. SPRING 2020 | 20
PEOPLE
Lindsay McKinley and Tony Philpot recreate their schoolboy fun
COMMUNITY
Ready, set, action! Click here to watch the TV commercial
Halcyon Greens homeowners enjoying a feast at the end of day two of filming`
LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au
HALCYON HOMEOWNERS SHINE BRIGHT ONSCREEN
he streets at Halcyon T Greens were abuzz when a group of homeowners stepped up to help Halcyon shoot its latest TV commercial.
Nineteen homeowners (and a dog) were ready for their close-up, volunteering to share the Halcyon lifestyle with the Australian public. Lily and John Barker from Halcyon Greens said they were “flattered to be chosen” and to be given the opportunity to be a part of the newest campaign. “It was lots of fun and it was lovely to be a part of it,” Lily said. “Even though it was very hard to get up early for the 6am start.”
Cast and crew help Hamish in his starring role
“It was wonderful to be able to show off our community to the best of our ability so I hope we’ve done it justice.” They said they now have a much better appreciation for how much time, effort and the number of “takes” required to pull a TV commercial together. “I really enjoyed it and it was so professionally done,” he said. “It really is representative of the community and the relaxed lifestyle that Halcyon offers.” Halcyon’s latest commercial, titled “No worries living” features a group of enthusiastic homeowners showing what it’s like to live a “no worries” lifestyle – playing golf, staying fit, heading off on RV adventures and socialising with friends.
Resident fitness fanatic, Rob Allman, warms up for the camera
From the very start, Halcyon has used its own homeowners in television and print marketing campaigns. Halcyon’s Joint Managing Director Dr Bevan Geissmann said there were a number of reasons for that. “Firstly, because it’s always fun and we are grateful for it,” he said. “Most importantly, we believe it adds a lot of authenticity to our marketing as no-one wants to see 40-year-old actors trying to be passed off as 60-year-olds. “Who better to represent what it’s like to live in a Halcyon community than the people already living in one? They are the best brand ambassadors any company could ask for.”
Lily Barker prepares delicious treats for the coming scene
SPRING 2020 | 22
Saturday 10th October Experience Halcyon Greens, Australia's biggest lifestyle. Join our small group tours: • Walk through the 5 display homes. • Enjoy the award-winning 5-star resort facilities. • Meet our homeowners.
Places are limited, so please call or register online for one of three sessions. .com.au/greens-discovery-experience
7 Halcyon Dr, Pimpama – 1800 050 580 Plac
Winner of Tourism & Leisure Facilities over $10 million
PETS
Cat adoption brings joy in COVID-19 TARA AND BEV HELP RESCUE EACH OTHER he might be a feisty S character, but Tara the refuge cat has been a ray of
sunshine during COVID-19.
Bev Skinner rescued Tara from the Sunshine Coast Animal Rescue in June, after her previous owner could not keep her as she was moving to a refuge to escape a domestic violence situation. “She doesn’t like men or the sound of a male voice,“ Bev said. “She takes off when she hears a man talk, so she may have been ill-treated or something may have happened. “It’s hard to know, but she is getting better.” Tara, a long-haired cat who weighs 5.5kg, quickly found herself at home at Halcyon Parks with Bev. “She was quite happy, she walked in and hopped straight on my bed and cuddled up to me when I was sleeping,” she said. Bev said she had always had animals in her home, but not for a number of years, and made the decision to rescue an animal after her daughter and granddaughter welcomed cats into their homes.
“She’s quite happy doing her own thing.” “I was worried about leaving her when I go out, but she’s not stressed about it,” she said. “She’s quite happy to do her own thing.” Bev said the neighbours “think she is crazy” because she talks to Tara all the time. “When I’m going out, I say ‘bye darling, I won’t be long,’ and I swear she talks back to me,“ Bev laughed. “She really is wonderful and I recommend getting a pet, especially if you live alone as they are terrific company.”
To adopt a pet, contact Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge, (07) 5494 5275 or http://www.sippycreek.com.au
Bev Skinner and her rescue cat Tara, Halcyon Parks
SPRING 2020 | 24
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Landing’s First Lady of line dancing Words: Glenice Robertson
I
joke that I “fell into” teaching line dancing because there was no-one else around to take on the job. I had been line dancing for 16 years when I moved into Halcyon Landing in 2014 and I quickly organised other homeowners to
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form a group, recruiting a teacher from an external dance school. The professional taught the group well, but she was not able to continue long term and I volunteered to take over. The rest, as they say, is history and more than five years later I am still teaching the thriving Line Dance Activity Group. Each time the Halcyon Social Group has held Country and Western themed nights, more interest has
AFTER A CAREER AS A TEACHER, GLENICE ROBERTSON THOUGHT SHE HAD RETIRED BUT HER FRIENDS HAD OTHER IDEAS
been generated in line dancing, and I’ve taken on two new beginner groups over the past four years. As everyone has mastered the basic skills, we have now blended the groups together. Everyone enjoys the great vibe of seeing the dance floor full and for us all to be moving in the same direction at once. Of course, in our classes there are no mistakes in the dance routines – just variations!
After more than 30 years of teaching deaf children I use these teaching skills to plan and implement each class. I am a member of the Queensland Line Dance Association, and I’m aided by my husband Terry, who has been nicknamed the Musical Director by the group. Terry downloads all the music for the dances, sources a variety of alternative music as well as finding appropriate YouTube dance clips which are sent out to class members with each new dance taught. Terry began line dancing with the group when it started in 2014, although he wishes he had taken it up with me when I first started in Hervey Bay 16 years ago. He is not the only man in the group, and although they are outnumbered they are equally as keen and enthusiastic as the ladies. Two years ago, we collectively designed our own special shirts to reflect the group’s enthusiasm and fundamental attitude to their line dancing. The shirts read: “Life is better when you line dance - count me in!” It is a real spectacle to see “the parade of shirts” filtering along the streets as participants make their way to the Rec Club for dancing each Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning. It has been a great privilege and a real joy for me to share my love of line dancing with so many homeowners at Halcyon Landing. I’m incredibly proud of the success everyone in the group has achieved.
Glenice and Terry Robertson
THE BENEFITS OF LINE DANCING ACCORDING TO GLENICE
“Life is better when you line dance count me in!”
1. Line dancing presents itself as the perfect form of exercise for over 50s. 2. I t provides the benefits of an aerobic workout which helps maintain a healthy heart. 3. It develops concentration and memory skills. 4. I t provides a platform for participants to get involved in a social environment which is great for mental wellness.
SPRING 2020 | 26
W Oc el to c b Op om er en e C 202 in en 0 g tr e
Enjoy the Freedom From sunrise to sunset be energised by a range of facilities inspired by Australia’s best country retreats. Halcyon’s newest community, set amongst 100 acres, is relaxed luxury only 30 minutes from the CBD. It’s country living with city convenience.
New homes priced from $375,000 Welcome Centre Opening Oct 2020. 8 Halcyon Way, Logan Reserve
To find out more call 1800 050 580
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Avo Go VISION BY HALCYON’S FARMER TURNED FITNESS FANATIC IS A CLASS ACT he threat of knee T replacement surgery was the catalyst for John
Ware to take the plunge and attend his first fitness class.
His arthritic, swollen right knee inspired the former avocado farmer and university professor to hit the gym with the aim to strengthen the muscle around his knee joint and drop some extra weight. “I have lost around seven kilograms; the swelling has reduced, and the pain has totally gone because of the muscle strength I have built around my right knee,” the Vision by Halcyon homeowner said. “I have been exercising religiously for six hours a week for four years when I am not travelling or away on holidays.” John attends seven exercise classes per week including circuits, mat stretching and aqua aerobics as well as the Revive class; a specialist session aimed at building strength and flexibility using chairs. Such is his dedication, he and wife Laila, who attends outdoor tai chi and yoga classes, arrange their weekly life and appointments around their exercise regime. The former university professor had led a physically active lifestyle on their Tamborine Mountain avocado farm for 42 years, where he would climb eight metres
to pick fruit, however any dedicated exercise was confined to swimming in the pool on their property. John had never tried any fitness classes before retiring and moving to Vision by Halcyon in March 2016, and now counts circuits and aqua aerobics as his favourite sessions. “Circuits and aqua aerobics are both great physically but also for the socialisation aspect,” John said. John credits Vision by Halcyon’s high-quality facilities and well-trained fitness instructors for assisting in his fitness journey and incorporating special exercises for homeowners with specific issues within the classes. “My top tip for anyone with joint issues is you might be able to improve the longevity of your joints, reducing discomfort and pain by building the appropriate exercises,” John said. The former social sciences professor also points to the physical and mental health benefits of regular exercise on individual wellbeing. “I think staying fit is essential both physically and for socialisation,” he added. “At Vision by Halcyon, the socialisation has been much better than we expected. We have found a real support system and a camaraderie that I really appreciate.”
John Ware, Vision by Halcyon
SPRING 2020 | 28
GIVE BACK
Halcyon homeowners donate $15,000 in 15 days OVER 15 DAYS IN JULY, HALCYON HOMEOWNERS, THEIR FRIENDS AND FAMILY, HAVE GIVEN $15,000 TO LOCAL CHARITIES – THAT’S $1,000 A DAY The donations are part of the Friends of Halcyon Referral Program which enables homeowners, their friends and family to give $500 to the charity of their choice. Halcyon hosted several Thank You events in July which celebrate giving with donors, guests, and the local charities themselves. With more events planned in the coming weeks the Friends of Halcyon Referral Program has already delivered much needed contributions to a number of different charities and organisations. Some charities have received more than one donation and with COVID-19 impacting the way charities can raise money, all charities have welcomed the contributions. Community Engagement Officer from the Daniel Morcombe Foundation Rachael Witton said she was thrilled with the support. “This year has been a challenging year,” she said.“COVID restrictions have meant we had to cancel a number of our key fundraising activities or move them online.
Margaret Mellor happily holding Ronald McDonald cheque, Halcyon Glades
“This money will go directly to educating children, schools and families to recognise signs of harm, to react in a safe way and to report to adults who can help stop the abuse. “This includes developing programs for grandparents so they can help keep their grandchildren safe.”
Peter and Sharon Downing, moving to B by Halcyon
LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au
What is Friends of Halcyon? When you refer someone to Halcyon and they go on to become a homeowner, you will receive $1,500 for you plus an additional $500 you can donate to a charity or cause of your choice. The person who buys a home from Halcyon will also receive $1,500 for them and $500 which they can donate to a charity or cause of their choice.
Rachel Witton, Daniel Morcombe Foundation, Halcyon Lakeside event
Charities and organisations who have benefited from the $15,000 include: •
Animal Welfare League
•
Australian Rotary Foundation Trust
•
Leukaemia Foundation Queensland
•
Hummingbird House
•
The Smith Family
•
Aussie Helpers
•
The Daniel Morcombe Foundation
•
Australian Breast Cancer Foundation
•
The Cancer Council
•
The RSPCA
•
Alannah and Madeline Foundation
•
•
Bloomhill Cancer Care
•
Bribie Island Ambulance Service
rostate Cancer Foundation P of Australia
•
Parkinson’s Queensland
•
•
ustralian Cancer Research A Foundation
•
The Samaritan's Purse Australia
iding for the Disabled R Association of Queensland
DV Connect – Bella’s Sanctuary
•
Ronald McDonald House
•
•
oyal Brisbane Women’s Hospital R Foundation the Skull Base Fund
Beck O’Connor DV Connect with Sheila and Brian Barnes, Halcyon Greens
Bec Byrnes, Animal Welfare League, Halcyon Greens
SPRING 2020 | 30
GARDENING
Gardeners give generous gift NATURE-LOVING COUPLE HELP KEEP THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD BLOOMING
Glen and Elaine Schultz, Halcyon Waters
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here is one universal truth across T Halcyon – our homeowners take incredible pride in their gardens. There are many beautiful streets but for those who live on Commodore Drive at Halcyon Waters, they have a secret weapon. Glen and Elaine Schultz are selfprofessed nature lovers and gardening enthusiasts who in the past two years have taken on the responsibility of many of the gardens in their street. “We do 14 hedges and gardens in our street,” Glen said. “About two years ago we talked to each person and asked them if they needed help as we have some people who are unable to do it themselves, so we do their backyards as well.” Elaine said they got a lot of satisfaction out of helping their neighbours, who she said were always very grateful. “We do their gardens as we would our own,” she said. The couple have lived at Halcyon Waters for 11 years and said they had always had a keen interest in gardening. “We love plants and spending time outdoors and the colours are spectacular,” Elaine said. The pair work as a team with Elaine doing the raking, weeding and clean-up while Glen does most of the heavy hedge work. “It keeps us busy, it keeps us fit and it gets us out into the sunshine,” Glen said. “We love to see the joy in people’s faces, it gives us a lot of satisfaction.”
SPRING 2020 | 32
TRAVEL
Life is a highway
CARAVANNING IS A WAY OF LIFE FOR US, AND WE’RE EXCITED TO BE BACK ON THE ROAD AGAIN
Words: Graham Sands y wife Pam and I embarked M on our first road trip 48 years ago and have not looked
back. And like most travellers right now, it is very hard wanting to be on the move, while we are grounded during COVID-19.
Our very first camping trip was in 1972 – just Pam and I in an old Land Rover. Over the years, we progressed to travelling around in a rooftop camper, then caravans and now motorhomes, so it is fair to say our current road trips are vastly different to those early camping days! Our current motorhome is fully selfcontained with a shower and toilet and solar panels on the roof, which allows us to camp without having to worry about power. There is also a espresso coffee machine, microwave and a TV – it’s a great set-up. We have journeyed around Australia once; however most of our time on the road is spent travelling through the inland regions and exploring each state.
We purchased our house at Halcyon Parks in Caloundra in 2007 and lived there for seven years. When Halcyon Landing commenced building at Bli Bli, we decided the opportunity to move into a new home and achieve some capital gains at the same time made sense, so we moved to Halcyon Landing in 2013. Living at Halcyon, we enjoy the friendship and camaraderie of the other homeowners. With our caravanning lifestyle, the ability to lock up and travel, knowing our home is secure, is also important.
Broome, Ningaloo Reef and Lucky Bay at Cape Le Grand National Park. At Ningaloo Reef you can camp just back from the beach – it is just a lovely, relaxing place. South Australia has some of our favourite Australian destinations: the Flinders Ranges and the Eyre and Yorke peninsulas are all standout places to visit. In Queensland, our top caravanning locations are Lawn Hill Gorge, Port Douglas, Cape Tribulation, Longreach and, closer to home, the Scenic Rim.
Having a motorhome means the freedom to travel without having a set itinerary and the ability to meet new people and make new friends wherever we go.
We love to visit places for nature and relaxation, so we’re very lucky that Queensland is open for Queenslanders and we can travel within the state.
Some of our favourite camping spots are in Western Australia, such as
When it is safe to travel again, Pam and I are looking forward to travelling across to Perth to visit family.
When we did that trip along the coast of Australia for nine months, our daughter, Emma, was five years old. A couple of years later, we sold our house in Ballarat, Victoria to move to Montville, Queensland, so Emma did her schoolwork on the road with Distance Education Centre Victoria (now Virtual School Victoria). While we have travelled extensively throughout Australia since, the Sunshine Coast is home.
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Pam and Graham’s daughter, Emma, in 1989 at Barcaldine doing distance education
Pam and Graham Sands, Halcyon Landing
SPRING 2020 | 34
TRAVEL
Life begins at 50-something COUPLE MAKING THE MOST OF THEIR HALCYON DAYS
Words: Leone Greaney
M
oving into an over 50s lifestyle community was something we’d always wanted to do and when we retired, we went up and down the east coast of Australia to find somewhere that fitted our needs and desires. My partner John and I had a beautiful acreage up in Agnes Water, but as you get older you start to think about being so far away from medical facilities and who will look after the property if you can’t.
“...we packed up our caravan and travelled clockwise around Australia for 10 months before moving into Greens last year.” LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au
John and Leone parked near Venus Bay, Eyre Peninsula, SA
We wanted to live in a place that was located conveniently to shops and attractions, as well as having a huge range of activities and facilities onsite. I’m a social butterfly and I love being able to simply walk outside my home and access a variety of active and creative pursuits without having to drive long distances or plan ahead, while John is more introverted and enjoys time to pursue his interests which include hiking and camping. After travelling Australia, we bought at Halcyon Lakeside, where we lived for one year before selling our home in record time to move to Halcyon Greens to be closer to John’s mother in Coolangatta. We came down to Greens and were amazed at how much it had progressed, so we returned to Lakeside and put our home on the market, thinking it would take a while, and then 45 minutes later – it was sold!”. In order for the new owners to move in, we packed up our caravan and travelled clockwise around Australia for 10 months before moving into Greens last year.
Sculptures on Clifftop Drive, Elliston, SA
The selling process was incredibly smooth with no entry and exit fees, no stamp duty on purchase and an easy listing process. Halcyon’s friendly team made the sales process and formalities an easy exercise. We made a $100,000 capital gain from our Lakeside sale, which funded our 10-month trip around Australia. We love living at Greens and we are incredibly active. We go to the gym five times a week, we play pickleball and tennis and I love singing in the music group. We’re in our 50s and while we are at the younger end of the over-50s spectrum, I thoroughly recommend making the move as early as you can. We’ve made lots of good friends here and there are a lot of people at Greens who are younger than us and still working. It is the perfect lifestyle because everything is here – you can go to the gym or do arts and crafts all in the one place, so you are not wasting time with multiple memberships or having to drive to get to an activity. That, to me, is a huge bonus.
Leone on NT/WA border near Lake Argyle
John in Kalbarri National Park, WA
SPRING 2020 | 36
RECIPES
Cook with us OUR COMMUNITY MANAGERS SHARE THEIR FAVOURITE SPRING RECIPES
QUINOA SUPER SALSA Donna Osborne, B by Halcyon
“This is my all-time favourite recipe that can be served hot or cold. It goes amazingly with grilled salmon, but whenever I make it, I then have to share the recipe. The recipe was introduced to me at a cooking class on the Gold Coast.” Ingredients
Method
a 150g uncooked white quinoa
a 1 red capsicum - diced
a 1 50g uncooked black or red quinoa
a 1 00g pitted kalamata olives - chopped small
a 600ml water
a 1 cup fresh coriander – finely chopped
a 4 00g tin cooked kidney beans, drained and washed a 1 cup cherry tomatoes – cut in half a 1 big red onion - finely diced a 1 green capsicum - diced
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a 2 limes – juice squeezed a 4 T olive oil a 1 t pepper a O ptional - 1 small long red chilli - chopped
1. I n a saucepan bring the water to the boil, add quinoa, reduce heat and simmer for around 1015 minutes, checking the water levels every couple of minutes before it evaporates and then turn heat off. Keep a lid on top and leave for 10 minutes to finish cooking the grain. 2. T hrow everything together and serve with salads, lean cuts of meat, chicken or fish.
PRAWN AND CHILLI LINGUINE Shannon Dunn, Halcyon Greens
RICOTTA RAVIOLI Trish Gearie, Vision by Halcyon
This works well for Keto –
“Here is one of my favourite recipes
a good work around without pasta and easy to put together. it’s a great lunch option with salad.”
for the warmer months. You can also serve with a fresh garden salad and hot crusty bread.”
Ingredients
Ingredients
a 1 packet dried linguine
a Zest and juice 1 lemon
a Ricotta, approx 400g
a Salt and pepper
a 4 tbsp. good quality extra virgin olive oil
a 1 2 raw banana prawns; peeled and deveined
a O nion powder, a shake or two
a C heese, any version and amount you feel appropriate
a 1t butter a 3 cloves garlic, finely sliced a 1-2 medium chillies a 1T small capers a 6 cherry tomatoes, quartered
a ½ bunch parsley, roughly chopped a 2 handfuls of baby rocket a 40g Parmesan a Salt and pepper
a G arlic powder, a shake or two a 1 egg or 2 if using deli purchased Ricotta a Basil cropped, fresh
a 1 x 400gm canned diced tomatoes or passata a 3-4 zucchini
Method
Method
1. M ix all the ingredients together in a bowl except for the tomatoes (or passata) and the zucchini.
1. S eason a large pot of boiling water with salt and a dash of olive oil. Follow packet instructions to cook linguine.
2. U se the canned tomatoes or passata to form a thin layer on the bottom of a baking dish, (I find it best to drain the tomatoes).
2. I n a large deep pan add the oil and butter, garlic and chilli and cook on medium heat. Add the capers, tomatoes and lemon. Stir and cook for two minutes. Add the prawn meat and cook for further minute.
3. 3 or 4 zucchini, ribboned lengthwise with potato peeler
3. D rain the pasta and add to the prawns with 1-2 tablespoons of the cooking water. Finally add the rocket, parsley and parmesan. 4. T oss in the pan and serve immediately with an extra drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil.
4. L ay zucchini as 2 one way and 2 the other way, place a spoon of mixture in the middle of the zucchini and fold to make a square. You an also use a few ribbons of zucchini and roll the mixture up. 5. Place all “raviolis” into dish, add additional cheese to top 6. B ake at 180 degrees until bubbling and browned nicely. Serve with a fresh garden salad. SPRING 2020 | 38
BOOKS
Book club
With Laila Hakansson Ware, Vision by Halcyon
Laila Hakansson Ware is a retired criminal law barrister, ESL teacher, health regulation board director, avocado grower and cheese maker, who lived for 42 years on Tamborine Mountain. She has been a member of a book club for 20 years, and enjoys the in-depth conversations that flow from a group experience of journeying through a book together. Since moving to Vision four years ago, Laila has enjoyed the friendships that are afforded by getting involved in a small community.
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane
By Lisa See – Published by Simon and Schuster, 2017, RRP $24.99
“A fiction based on the rise and fall of the recent futures market in Pu Ehr tea from 1000-year-old trees.”
The story unfolds through themes of mother/daughter relationships, the cultural norms of the rural Akha minority group in Southern China, where the birth of twins brings bad luck to the village and requires the death of one twin, and “China’s one child policy”. The setting is exotic, the themes are current and the writing is poetic. I suggest you buy some Pu Ehr tea at your local Asian grocery shop, and enjoy a cuppa while you read this book.
The Wonder Down Under
Norwegian authors Nina Brocman and Ellen Stökken Dahl Published by Hodder & Stoughton 2017RRP $20
“This is a serious, but funny exposé of the female genitalia. The aim of the authors, who are both sexual health educators and medical doctors, is to dispel myths around female sexual health.”
The Wonder Down Under is a comprehensive guide to a miraculous and complex part of the body that is still a mystery to many of us. It is written with humour, and scientific aplomb, whether discussing the clitoris, contraception or cervical cancer. This book is both funny and frank and is filled with astonishing, and little-known information, delivered with both medical knowledge and genuine empathy. Did you know that female and male sex organs are merely variations on the same basic structure? Or why there is no such thing as a virginity test? Read it and find out more.
Sapiens: a brief history of Humankind
by Yuval Noah Harari Published by Harper RRP $20 soft cover:$15 Amazon.com
“This is not the book for those who prefer a fictional read like crime, sci-fi, or romance, or a nonfictional book, like history or autobiographical. I recommend it to anyone who is searching for a thought provoking book that will give you dinner table talk for years to dine out on”.
This book will satisfy those who have just learned that their DNA makeup is 2% Scandinavian, 1.5% Ashkenazi Jew and 96.5% Central European, but want to understand so much more about themselves as a species, and who like to be surprised and informed by an author. Yuval Harari will take you on a nine hour, 443 page journey through the history of humankind from the evolution of archaic human species in the Stone Age, up to the twentyfirst century, focusing on Homo Sapiens. His theories may even shock you. He postulates that Homo sapiens rule the world because it is the only animal that can believe in things that exist purely in its own imagination, such as gods, states, money and human rights. He explains that money is the most pluralistic system of mutual trust ever devised and that even though we are far more powerful than our ancient ancestors, we aren’t much happier.
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SOCIALS
Keith and Anita Graham
Roslyn Periz
Kathy Beatson
Shannon Bell
Terry Fisher
Kingfisher Release HALCYON GREENS – THURSDAY 16 JULY 2020 uyers and existing homeowners were out in B force at the launch of the latest release of new homes available at Halcyon Greens. Even the media came along for the launch of the Kingfisher Release, available in Stage 4 of the Pimpama community. Most hotly contested of the 21 on offer were the larger corner blocks as well as the sites located on the perimeter of the community which connects to Nyamul Reserve, the 300 hectare private nature sanctuary which provides a green haven for native flora and fauna. Click here to watch the Channel 7 News story
Susan Fahey
SOCIALS The winners
Halcyon Sunshine Coast Creative Showcase HALCYON LAKESIDE - TUESDAY 9 JUNE he inaugural T Halcyon Sunshine Coast
Creative Showcase Competition was a huge hit, attracting 66 entries from experienced and novice artists.
The theme of the competition was “Childhood Memories� and the eight categories included paintings, woodwork,
mosaics, wearable art, photography, quilting and craft. Judges included Shirley Marais, a clay artist and painter and Joanne Moore, owner of art gallery Maleny Art Direct. John Davis from Lakeside was crowned the overall winner for his white wooden horse.
LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au
John Davis, Halcyon Lakeside
Richard Wetton
Wendy Cooper
Julie Stalker
Trevor Renn
Howard Cox
Pam Ackerman
Marion Williams
John Allgood
SOCIALS Toni-Maree and Stuart Eden, Halcyon Glades
Charity Thank You Events HALCYON GREENS – 3 JULY HALCYON LAKESIDE – 22 JULY HALCYON GLADES – 23 JULY ur wonderful homeowners O got together at three separate events to celebrate Friends of Halcyon. More than $15,000 has been donated to a myriad of of incredibly worthy charities as part of our referral program. LifeBeginsatHalcyon.com.au
Teddie O’Neill, Halcyon Lakeside
Carol and Brian Abe, Halcyon Lakeside
Kerry and Lorraine Brace, Halcyon Lakeside
Ann and Roy Beattie, Halcyon Greens
Sheila and Brian Barnes, Halcyon Greens
David and Mary-Helen Boag, Halcyon Lakeside
Halcyon communities
Judged Australia’s best lifestyle communities...
Thank you
Please phone 1800 626 488 for more information on our communities.
Nestled in the foothills of Buderim and wrapped in sub-tropical rainforest, B by Halcyon offers a retreat to nature just minutes from beaches. Here, you can lose yourself in creative pursuits, a health and wellness journey or the sense of community. 2 Retreat Drive, Buderim (off Whites Road) - Sales office open 9am-4pm, Monday to Saturday
Halcyon Greens GAINSBOROUGH GREENS - PIMPAMA
Downsize to an acreage lifestyle 30 minutes from the Brisbane CBD. Located in Logan Reserve and set on 100 picturesque acres fronting the Logan River. This sprawling community is tribute to the traditional South East Queensland lifestyle amid open spaces, rolling hills and with deep agricultural roots. 8 Halcyon Way, Logan Reserve. Enquiries received at Halcyon Greens, 9am-4pm, Monday to Saturday
Halcyon Lakeside BLI BLI
Located five minutes from the centre of Bli Bli and situated within the masterplanned Parklakes 2 community, Halcyon Lakeside features 5-star resort facilities, over 6km of connected walking tracks and 450m of lake frontage set against a natural backdrop of undulating hills. Halcyon Lakeside was judged Australia’s best in 2019 by the UDIA. 1 Halcyon Way, Bli Bli - Display homes open 9am - 4pm, By Appointment
Enjoy country club living at Halcyon Greens, Australia’s first golf and lifestyle community designed for over 50s. The 84 acre community is surrounded by an 18-hole golf course, and overlooks natural wetlands and nature reserve. 7 Halcyon Drive, Pimpama - Display homes open 9am - 4pm, Monday to Saturday
Halcyon Glades C A BOOLT UR E
Situated at Caboolture north is Halcyon Glades; a tree change located halfway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. Halcyon Glades offers the best of both worlds and includes all the hallmarks of an award-winning Halcyon community. 34 Ardrossan Road, Caboolture - Display homes open 9am - 4pm, Monday to Saturday
Halcyon once again turned to the Gold Coast’s prestigious North Shore for its first waterfront lifestyle community, Vision by Halcyon. Located on an island at Hope Island, the exclusive gated community won the UDIA QLD’s Seniors Living award.
Located in the centre of the Sunshine Coast at Bli Bli, Halcyon Landing is a shining example of award-winning masterplanning. In tune with nature, the 25-acre lifestyle community is bordered by a 2km signature walking trail and natural parklands.
11 Grant Avenue, Hope Island - Homes available, inspection by appointment
27 Waigani Street, Bli Bli - Homes available, inspection by appointment
Halcyon Waters
Halcyon Parks
HOPE ISLAND
CALOUNDRA
Judged Australia’s Best Seniors living, Halcyon Waters is recognised as one of Australia’s premier lifestyle communities. Designed exclusively for over 50s, the vibrant community is set amongst 100 acres of open space and natural waterfront parklands at Hope Island on the Gold Coast’s North Shore.
Just five minutes drive from Caloundra’s beaches and town centre, Halcyon Parks nestles comfortably on a leafy 36-acre site surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. The masterplanned community incorporates quality architect-designed homes, gated security, comprehensive resort-style facilities and a strong community culture.
1 Halcyon Way, Hope Island - Homes available, inspection by appointment
42 Meridan Way, Caloundra - Homes available, inspection by appointment
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CARE ARM
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Heart of Halcyo shines throug n h
for Excellence
2019
art of living
HALCYON
RISE
The new adventure in the heart of Logan Reserv e
MIKE’S WINE
REVIEW
Mike shares his on Sauvign insights on Blanc
WINNER
Na onal Awards
LOVE FOR A RED MUST ANG
Master the
WINNER 2018 HIA Queensland Specialised Housing
SPRING 2020 | 46
BEGIN YOUR NEXT CHAPTER.
Buderim’s first lifestyle community designed exclusively for over 50s is surrounded by rainforest yet minutes from the beach. The architect designed homes start from $529,000 and are located near the $13.2 million Lifestyle and Wellness facilities and landscaped gardens. Come in and discover what will truly be the Sunshine Coast’s premier lifestyle community.
2 RE T RE AT D RI V E , B U D E RI M, QLD, 4556 ( OFF WHITES RD) – 1 800 050 050
Halc yon, Australia’s most awarded lifestyle communities.
